Palmar Digital Vein Thrombosis: A Case Report and Review of 36 Cases

Authors

• Stephanie Farrugia Department of General Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
• Monique Cachia Department of Dermatology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
• James Degaetano Department of Pathology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
• Michael J Boffa Department of Dermatology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta

stephanie.f.farrugia@gov.mt

Keywords

Abstract

Thrombosis of the palmar digital veins is relatively rare, typically reported in women aged 35-65 years and most commonly occurring on the fourth digit. Clinical presentation varies and the lesion can present on the fingers or the palms of the hands. Diagnosis may be suspected clinically and confirmed on histology and radiologically. The condition can be managed conservatively or surgically. A 58-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of a tender, skin-coloured nodule on her right palm. This was surgically excised, and the histopathological diagnosis was a thrombosed varix. As no underlying medical issues were raised on further testing, it was thought that her thrombosed varix was likely secondary to repeated trivial mechanical trauma, given that she was a housewife. A literature review yielded 36 cases of thrombosed varix, including our case. Most cases (85.3%) occurred in females, and the mean age of patients was 51.67 years, with two-thirds of patients between 35 and 65 years of age. The fourth digit and the proximal interphalangeal joint were the most commonly affected sites, respectively. Although rare, doctors should consider the possibility of a thrombosed varix when presented with tender and raised nodules on the palms or fingers.